7 Real Acne Questions and Answers - From Real Acne Sufferers - Issue 2

As an author of an acne newsletter, I recieve all kinds of questions about acne and skin conditions.

So here I am, answering real questions from real acne sufferers, Issue 2.

-> Question 1

How many times a day should I wash my face?

-> Answer 1

You should wash your face 2 times daily (3 maximum). Once in the morning, and once at night before you go to bed. When washing your face, use your bare hands (wash them first), and be gentle and careful, especially around existing acne. You do not want to aggrevate your acne by applying too much pressure or by scrubbing too hard, that will only make things worse.

I recommend using a mild cleanser, such as Cetaphil, followed by an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer, such as Cetaphil Moisturizer or Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer with SPF.

Example Face Washing Routine:

Step 1:

-Wash your hands thoroughly.

Step 2:

-Rinse your face with hot water to open up your pores.

Step 3:

-Apply your mild cleanser in circular motions, very gently.

Step 4:

-Rinse the cleanser off with cold water, to close your now clean pores.

Step 5:

-Pat dry with a clean towel (do not scrub dry).

Step 6:

-Apply a moisturizer if your skin is prone to dryness.

Step 7:

-Girls, you can now apply your non-comedogenic makeup (you can skip moisturizing usually if applying makeup).

-> Question 2

I have very bad habit of picking my acne...Is that really bad for the pimples?

-> Answer 2

Yes, picking at your skin is definitely bad for the pimples. It slows down the healing process (meaning your acne and red spots will last longer), and it also spreads the infection of the p. acne bacteria.

Also, your hands contain lots of oils and bacteria which can lead to even more acne on your face.

Picking can also lead to scarring when otherwise there would have been no scarring.

I know it's hard to avoid picking your skin all the time, but try to make a concious effort to avoid picking your skin. The less you pick at it the better.

-> Question 3

I was just wondering when i wash the baking soda mask (see Issue 1) off what do i put on like is it okay if i put a moisturizer on or would it cause more break outs or irritate my skin or wait a while to apply moisturizer?

-> Answer 3

Some people like to use Apple Cider Vinegar and apply it to the face after the baking soda mask. It helps to balance the skins PH (acidity) and also helps to even the skin tone.

To use Apple Cider Vinegar, mix 1 part with 2 parts water and apply it to your skin, wait for it to dry, then rinse off and pat try.

Other then that, you can go ahead and use a moisturizer afterwards if you want. Make sure your moisturizer is oil-free and is non-comedogenic (won't block pores).

-> Question 4

Do you have any idea about BIOKORIUM and if it's helpful for acne or for the skin?

-> Answer 4

Biokorium is just a specific brand of glycolic acid peels. Glycolic acid peels work to exfoliate layers of the skin and to promote regeneration and rejuvenation of skin cells. Generally speaking, glycolic acid peels help to even your skin tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores. The strongest concentrations of glycolic acid peels can also have some positive effects on acne scars and red marks.

With that said, I don't recommend using glycolic acid peels until your acne is gone, and only scars/red spots remain. Glycolic acid peels won't do anything to prevent acne breakouts and won't help with existing active acne. So for now, unless your acne is under control, your money is best spent elsewhere.

-> Question 5

Please let me know if the Baking Soda has any side effects and also can we use the same baking soda that is put in cakes etc...... the ingredients are Sodium Bicarbonate, Aluminiuim Sulaphate and edible starch.

-> Answer 5

The baking soda mask is entirely safe, you will probably notice some peeling of skin though if you have some dry patches (a good thing).

Other then that, the one drawback of the baking soda mask is it tends to alter the skins Ph balance. However, you can easily restore the Ph balance by applying a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water immediately after (let it dry, then rinse off). In fact, that is the best way to go about it.

The "cake baking soda" your referring to is actually baking powder, which is similar, but not the right choice. You should use just plain baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate). If you have some tea tree oil, you can add a few drops of that in the mixture if you want too.

-> Question 6

What can we do to remove the scars for fresh Minor Burns. What we have been using here is extensive usage of coconut oil.

-> Answer 6

For minor burns, coconut oil is a good choice, but pure aloe vera in my opinion is your best option. Run the burn under cold water,then create a cold compress with aloe vera dabbed on the side facing the burn. That's worked well for me (and others) in the past.

Some people also use egg-membrane applied to the burn area, I havn't tried this myself so I can't comment, but if you do give it a go let me know how it works.

I also highly recommend tea tree oil for burns, it will help disinfect and speed up the healing process, and can have soothing aspects as well. It can be used in combination with aloe vera if you wish.

You can also try a compress of bayberry, black or green tea, blackberry leaves, sumac leaves or white oak. They all contain tannic acid, which is used in many burn clinics.

-> Question 7

Does soda effect acne?

-> Answer 7

Soda drinks will not cause acne on it's own but if you are already prone to breaking out, then they can definitely aggrevate acne or lead to further breakouts. Some studies have shown chocolate and soft drinks etc. not to cause acne, but in my opinion these studies are flawed as they do not take the many factors of acne into account.

Soft drinks/soda they are full of refined sugars. Refined sugars are useless for the body and often cause a surge of androgenic hormones. Which if your body s unable to deal with, can lead to a hormonal imbalance, which can then lead to acne. So they are best avoided for the most part.

Ryan Bombard is the author of the free "77 Crazy Yet Effective Alernative Acne Tips" [www.acne-insider.com/acne] newsletter. A newsletter that focuses on natural acne treatments [www.acne-insider.com] and natural acne prevention.

You don't have to suffer from acne, find out how to treat your acne naturally and permenantly by signing up for his free acne newsletter [www.acne-insider.com/acne].